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What Do My MRI Test Results Indicate?
Question: Hi. I am a 48 year old female, 160lbs and 5.6 feet. I was at the gym and was throwing punches with a ban about 6 weeks ago. Both of my upper arms went numb and was tingling. I set down and the feelings slowly came back to me but my left hand pinky has remained numb. I went to a Chiropractor who sent me to get an MRI because my left who hand became numb. I took the results to my Orthopaedic Surgeon because he had moved my ulnar nerve last summer because my pinky and ring finger was numb. My pinky finger has remained numb and my hand is still numb as well. He ordered a nerve test and it shows that I now have carpal tunnel in my left hand/wrist. I am scheduled to have surgery in July for this. But, I am still concerned because now I have neck and arm pain (comes and goes) is not related to this carpal tunnel findings.
This is my MRI results, should I get a second opinion? My doctor said MRI is fine and nothing of great concern he is just going to treat the carpal tunnel. He didn't even tell me to get physical therapy.
C5/C6 posterior disc osteophyte complex and superimposed central disc protrusion effacing the ventral CSF as well as left greater than right uncovertebral hypertrophy resulting in probable moderate to severe left and moderate right neural foraminal narrowing.
C6/C7 board based posterior disc bulging and left sided uncovertebral hypertrophy mildly effacing the ventral CSF with mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing.
Will these results cause the numbness in the arms that I experienced and off and on pain in neck/shoulder?
This is my MRI results, should I get a second opinion? My doctor said MRI is fine and nothing of great concern he is just going to treat the carpal tunnel. He didn't even tell me to get physical therapy.
C5/C6 posterior disc osteophyte complex and superimposed central disc protrusion effacing the ventral CSF as well as left greater than right uncovertebral hypertrophy resulting in probable moderate to severe left and moderate right neural foraminal narrowing.
C6/C7 board based posterior disc bulging and left sided uncovertebral hypertrophy mildly effacing the ventral CSF with mild to moderate left neural foraminal narrowing.
Will these results cause the numbness in the arms that I experienced and off and on pain in neck/shoulder?
Brief Answer:
Due to cervical spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your MRI scan is suggestive of age related degenerative changes in the cervical spine with forminal narrowing that can cause a numbness and pain in the arm.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Due to cervical spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your MRI scan is suggestive of age related degenerative changes in the cervical spine with forminal narrowing that can cause a numbness and pain in the arm.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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